Pakistan’s Information Technology and Telecom Association (P@SHA) confronts serious internal turmoil. Eight of 11 Central Executive Committee members voted no confidence in Chairman Sajjad Syed during an extraordinary meeting on August 25, 2026. The crisis threatens upcoming elections and industry awards.
Board members cited unauthorized activities as primary concern. According to meeting minutes, the CEC became increasingly troubled that Sajjad Syed was undertaking P@SHA activities without board consultation. Previous complaints about this behavior went unaddressed. Board members expressed frustration that working relationship efforts had failed.
The National Cyber Crime Investigation Agency became unexpectedly involved. NCCIA sent notifications to multiple CEC members and secretariat staff following a petition filed by Sajjad Syed regarding alleged confidential data and video leaks. One compromised video showed the chairman’s verbal resignation during a board meeting. Minutes indicated the board accepted his resignation and tasked the Senior Vice Chairman with additional responsibilities.
The Director General of Trade Organizations subsequently reinstated the chairman. The DGTO decision rested on technical grounds: no written resignation had been formally submitted. The director general initiated verification inquiry into the resignation decision, complicating the situation further.
Sajjad Syed raised two procedural objections to the no confidence vote. First, he argued that seeking information could conflict with existing DGTO orders concerning his reinstatement. Second, he maintained the motion violated P@SHA’s governing rules regarding proper introduction and resolution. He insisted these procedural violations meant the no confidence vote possessed no legal validity.
The CEC decided to task P@SHA’s Secretary General with examining whether their decision conflicted with the DGTO interim order. If no conflict existed, the Secretary General would implement the CEC decision immediately.
P@SHA prepares to hold elections and flagship awards ceremony next month. Leadership turmoil could delay both events substantially. Industry observers worry the dispute threatens P@SHA’s credibility during critical period for Pakistan’s technology sector.
The association faces mounting pressure to resolve disputes before September. Current situation remains unresolved with competing claims over procedural legitimacy. P@SHA requested comment and promised updates upon receiving formal responses.
